Ex-Wallaby issues apology to Jones

RUGBY UNION: Former Wallaby Stephen Hoiles has said sorry to Eddie Jones after the England coach took exception to a question from the ex-Waratahs and Brumbies star at the post-match press conference following the tourists’ win on Saturday night in Brisbane.

Hoiles, who was handed his Australian debut by Jones in 2004, works for Fox Sports on the program The Other Rugby Show.

At the conference the ex-forward asked a clearly off-guard Jones: “You seem to be in the press a bit more than Donald Trump this week. And the lads were pumped up, there was a bit of moisture out there and I think you and Glen (Ella) had a good moment, looked lubed up and a fair bit of shrinkage. How did you enjoy that moment with your old mate Glen up in the box?”

Jones responded by saying he did not appreciate the tone of the question, before later telling journalists he had not liked the attitude of the Australian press since his arrival.

“It is quite demeaning, disrespectful to the team, so we’re not going to let this opportunity pass,” he said.

“You get that sort of ridiculous question from Hoiles. You’ve seen the Fox promos, they are disgusting.

“I am talking about the team. I’m not worried about myself.

“All I am saying is there’s been quite a disrespectful way in which the team has been treated in the media here.”

Hoiles said he didn’t intend to disrespect his former coach and it was all done in good humour.

“I’ve already apologised to Eddie and I can understand where he’s coming from but the last thing I want to do is try and be disrespectful in that environment,” he said.